Let There Be Light

Incredible photo - this is turly amazing. As for further adjusting the light, I think the best thing is to try it and post it here so we can compare it - I'm not sure which I would prefer more.

- Luke

Thanks Luke, glad you like it.

Now that I look this jpeg version again, I realize there is not much detail left in the background, certainly not at this size. If you want to have a better look at what's still there, check out the larger version - most of the detail is in the upper right corner.

When I look at the original file now, I must say that the background detail is starting to annoy me. I initially left it in because that's how I shot it, but now I think that it doesn't really has a purpose - there, I answered my own question.

Utterly artistic....Apart from aesthetic appeal, it also conveys a mood...fantastic work Marsel...

Marsel,

I actually like the subtle reflections of the snow monkey. My recommendation would be to crop some off the bottom to put more emphasis on the monkey. Maybe a 3:4 or 4:5 ratio. Nonetheless, this is a marvelous image!

I love it !! wonderful mood to it, the facial expression and angle is very cool

I love the way this turned out. Interesting how you and Brad (with his dark black bear shot) in some ways were looking to pull off similar concepts with different strategies and different subjects.

I particularly like the level of light on the face, which brings out enough color and detail without going overboard. With the slight ripples reflecting the light, it has the look of the subject being lit by a moonbeam. A different crop, as suggested, might make me like it even more, but regardless it's a great result.

Max

Marsel,

I would vote to leave it as is, it is gorgeous as posted. The detail I can see in the background in the larger image is minimal and it does not detract one iota from the main subject.

One look at this image and you know you are in the presence of a genius! But, how would this look if you cropped out the reflection?

I would tone the bg down all the way. I am not sure if leaving any detail; ads to the image. I think it has the possibility to take away from the image.
BTW, I really love your use of light in your images Marsel. I have started to experiment with flash on and off camera lately and was wondering what method you might recommend for learning?

The moment I saw this image, my gut feeling told me had to one of yours :). Lovely feel here in this image and I like the purposeful under exposure. This is truly very artistic.

Hi Marsel !
With snow monkeys, one is used to seeing high-key images, as a low key image, this really shock the senses. As an experiment, it's definitely a success. Somehow, I feel that reflection is not adding much to the frame.
Jagdeep Rajput

I don't usually like the darker images but I do like this one. The light on the monkey's face with those eyes causes incredible impact.

At this size and even the 1200 px version, there is not much detail left in the BG. However, this is the type of image whereby such detail could be distracting indeed if it is too obvious. Since you were already influencing the reality to such an extend by under exposing and using flash, it would be only a small next step in the creative process to make that BG distraction 'disappear'
Excellent photo Marsel and I like the reflection, despite the fact that the reflection is not smooth and clear and would definitely leave that in.

Hi Marsel,

Sorry I'm late jumping into this - been away from NPN for a few days...

Very striking image, to say the least. On my monitor the background is pretty much without any detail already, and it's my opinion that this works very well. I personally like the faint reflection very much - I'd DEFINITELY keep it if the image were mine. My only "nit" pertains to an issue of personal preference - I think the current positioning of the snow monkey would be absolutely perfect if it were looking directly at you (not that I wish it was!). But, given the direction it's looking I think the image would work slightly better for me if there was just a sliver more room on the left side of the frame (and a sliver less on the right). But as posted this is obviously an excellent image (which is what we've come to expect from you).

Cheers...thanks for sharing this...

Brad

Love the light just on the monkeys face. Very dramatic image!

A 'slightly' late reaction... Love the image, and as you might have expected I'd say tone down that bg I see quite some detail there (bigger version) but that might be because I am in a completly dark room

For the rest I actually agree with Brad on this one, would love it to either have the monkey stare right at you, or some more room on the left (and not by cropping because that reflection is great as well )

Another very inspiring and artistic image, I keep wondering what you'll come up with next!

Wonderful capture, Marsel. Perhaps a crop of a bit of the reflection but that's really picking very minor nits. I think this stands alone as is.

My vote would go for blacking out the detail behind the head, above the water. I would definitely leave the foreground reflection. An excellent portrait Marsel.

yes, darken until those faint smudges of light have gone but don't lost the reflection. wonderful and creative photography.